A salient pole machine (30) comprises a rotor (20) rotating about a machine axis, said rotor (20) having at its circumference a rotor rim (21 ) with a predetermined outer radius (29), whereby a plurality of salient poles (22), each extending in radial direction, is attached to said rotor (20) at said rotor rim (21 ) at a respective pole-rim interface (24). The mechanical properties of the configuration are improved by providing at said pole-rim interface (24) a plurality of axial rib-like rim extensions (25) projecting radially from said rotor rim (28) with a predetermined circumferential distance (d) between neighboring rim extensions (25), by each salient pole (22) having a plurality of axial pole grooves (26) matching and receiving said rib-like rim extensions (25) at the respective pole-rim interface (24), and by providing fixing elements (27) to fix said rib-like rim extensions (25) in said pole grooves (26).